Study Guide: Listening Is an Act of Love

Pre-reading statement of opinion: Do you agree that the family lives of poor people are often richer than the family lives of those who enjoy all of life’s comforts? Why or why not?

Post-reading guided summary: Describe the kind of family life that sisters Rebecca Katechis and Carolyn Schlam had when they were children. Explain how the conversations that took place in their home were rich despite their insignificance. Consider why they “would have killed for a moment of privacy” (49) during their youth, but would not do so now. Discuss their parents’ formula for a successful life and why they are grateful to them today.

Personal response: Write your reaction to one or two aspects of the summary you have written, and try to connect this response to the opinion that you expressed before reading the StoryCorps transcript.